Neurocrit Care. 2026 Jul 6. doi: 10.1007/s12028-026-02576-2. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: In this study, we sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of mental health outcomes in survivors of neurocritical illness.
METHODS: Literature databases [PubMed, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and PsycInfo] were searched for terms relating to critical illness, intensive care, and outcomes from January 1970 to June 2024. English-language studies of adults with critically illness with a primary neurological diagnosis were included if they reported on mental health outcomes [specifically, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress (PTS), or general mental health]. Data extraction was performed, in duplicate, for prespecified variables related to study outcomes. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate pooled prevalence and symptom severity.
RESULTS: Of more than 33,000 abstracts screened, 24 publications reported on mental health outcomes: 19 reported on depression outcomes, 11 on anxiety, 7 on PTS, and 8 on general mental health. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] time to first depression, anxiety, and/or PTS assessment was 3 (1.75, 12), 4.5 (1.1, 7.5), and 3 (0, 3) months, respectively. The most common assessment tools were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Depression Subscale (HADS-D; n = 8) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Anxiety Subscale HADS-A (n = 8), and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (PCL-5)/Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Civilian Version (PCL-C) for PTS (n = 4). General mental health outcomes were studied using seven unique tools at a median (IQR) follow-up time of 3 (0.5, 6) months. Pooled depression prevalence [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 24% (20-29%) among publications using HADS-D and 26% (16-38%) in publications using any assessment tool. Pooled anxiety prevalence was 37% (21-56%) using HADS-A and was 32% (18-51%) using any assessment tool. PTS prevalence was 14% (8-21%). Heterogeneity of assessment tools precluded a pooled analysis of general mental health.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the burden of mental health symptoms following neurocritical care illness, with prevalences higher than the general population. These findings were impacted by substantial between-study heterogeneity-particularly in assessment tools and timing of evaluations-limiting precise prevalence estimation.
PMID:42406307 | DOI:10.1007/s12028-026-02576-2
